In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thousands of families continue to endure the long-lasting effects of armed conflict and forced displacement. Hunger, insecurity, and extreme vulnerability shape daily life not only for internally displaced people and returnees, but also for host communities, which often welcome them despite having insufficient resources to meet their own basic needs.

It is in this context that the “Kesho Bora project” was launched: Opportunités et dignité pour la population du Nord-Kivu – Rebuilding hope: opportunities and dignity for the people of North Kivu (AID 012982/01/2).

The project is funded by the Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS) and implemented by Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS) in partnership with Amici dei Bambini (AiBi), the local organisation Kimbilio, the Salesiani di Don Bosco (SDB), and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

This partnership strengthens operational effectiveness, expands territorial coverage, and ensures coordinated implementation on the ground. With a duration of 18 months, the project aims to sustainably improve living conditions and promote the socioeconomic reintegration of internally displaced people and host communities in the city of Goma and in the territories of Nyiragongo and Masisi.

It provides an integrated response that combines humanitarian assistance, protection, and recovery support.

The main objectives are as follows:

– Responding to essential needs

The project directly supports vulnerable families by providing nonfood items and startup kits for income-generating activities. These interventions enable people to meet their basic needs and work towards greater stability. Vocational training programmes in tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and baking equip young people and adults with practical skills, helping them generate income and strengthen their self-reliance.

– Supporting children and young people in vulnerable situations

Recognising that children and adolescents are particularly affected by the crisis, the “Kesho Bora project” organises educational, recreational, and psychosocial activities in residential and community centres in Goma, Nyiragongo, and Masisi. These safe spaces offer opportunities for learning, play, and emotional recovery, while fostering a renewed sense of safety and belonging.

– Protecting women and promoting gender equality

The project places strong emphasis on the protection of women and girls, who are often exposed to violence. Through confidential counselling, the distribution of dignity kits, and awareness-raising campaigns, the project prevents gender-based violence and supports survivors. At the same time, community-based initiatives promote positive models of masculinity and respect for gender equality, encouraging lasting social change.

– Strengthening social cohesion and dialogue

The project also promotes community dialogue by creating spaces where people can meet, exchange ideas, and resolve disputes peacefully. This approach helps rebuild trust between communities, which is an essential foundation for long-term stability and collective resilience.

By supporting internally displaced families, returnees, and host communities, the “Kesho Bora project” goes beyond responding to immediate needs: it offers a renewed perspective of dignity, safety, and opportunity to the most vulnerable populations of North Kivu. In a context marked by daily challenges, the project seeks to demonstrate how well-coordinated humanitarian action can transform lives and strengthen communities’ capacity to rebuild.